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12 Mar 05 - 03:11 PM (#1433201) Subject: BS: Dilemma From: fat B****rd My darling wife bought me a miniature Bodhran on the Holyhead Ferry recently. Should I have thrown myself overboard or should I try and play it ? |
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12 Mar 05 - 03:37 PM (#1433211) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Rapparee Overboard, if you're still on the ferry. If you're not it would be pretty pointless. |
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12 Mar 05 - 03:47 PM (#1433217) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: gnu Miniature? 14" ? |
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12 Mar 05 - 03:59 PM (#1433224) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: gnu Anything less than 14" isn't worth beating. |
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12 Mar 05 - 04:09 PM (#1433227) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: kendall Gnu, if that's the case, most of us are in trouble! |
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12 Mar 05 - 04:46 PM (#1433243) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: GUEST,Bodhran hater You could have accidentally dropped it overboard to be sure. |
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12 Mar 05 - 04:48 PM (#1433246) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Jeri Dear fB, what WAS she trying to tell you? |
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12 Mar 05 - 04:49 PM (#1433248) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: jonm It's a wall ornament. Identifies you as a folkie to those who don't know you and as a musician to others (by having it on the wall, unplayed!). |
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12 Mar 05 - 05:32 PM (#1433277) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: GUEST,Skipy How many pints will it hold? Skipy |
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12 Mar 05 - 06:03 PM (#1433298) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Rapparee It can also be used as a frisbee -- or a target. |
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12 Mar 05 - 06:14 PM (#1433309) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Don(Wyziwyg)T Rap's right! Use it as a dartboard for six months, then it will make a first class flour sifter. Plan B: Take it to the Yukon, pan for gold, then use the gold to buy a musical instrument. Don T. |
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12 Mar 05 - 06:20 PM (#1433314) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Peace Ya got half a set of snowshoes there. |
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12 Mar 05 - 06:59 PM (#1433336) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi What's a Bodhran? I take it it's a kind of musical instrument. Is it like a lute? |
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12 Mar 05 - 07:09 PM (#1433343) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: GUEST here's looking at ya. |
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12 Mar 05 - 08:04 PM (#1433370) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Thanks Guest for that link. Except that after clicking on it, I STILL didn't know what I was looking at when I looked at it. Which I guess is the point of the preceding tongue and cheek posts.. So I googled it myself and visited a site that explained that "On an old Franciscan Monastery in Roundstone, developed by the Industrial Development Authority , Malachy Kearns, better known as Malachy Bodhrán amongst folk musicians, works at his craft of making Ireland's oldest product the Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn). It is an 18" one sided drum made from Goatskin treated by a traditional process. Goatskin has unique stretch properties. The Irish word 'Bodhar' means deaf or haunting. The Bodhrán began as a skin tray used for drawing turf (peat) on the bogs.It stirs the spirit when played with the "tipper" or beater hitting the skin in a racing style while a hand presses the back of the skin to vary the tone. Malachy is respected as a fine Bodhrán makers for 25 years.Most of the professional folk Musicians world wide use our Bodhráns we are the only full time makers in the world." end of quote for more info. click bodhran Okay, now I get the references to wall ornament, frisbee, dart board, pan for gold snowshoe, though the 'how many pints does it hold' is still kinda beyond me. No matter..I'm getting an education here.. seriously |
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12 Mar 05 - 08:14 PM (#1433377) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Don(Wyziwyg)T Azizi, Every culture has a group, chosen to be the butt of inane humour. The English tell Irish jokes; The Irish tell Kerryman jokes; The Americans tell Polack jokes; We members of the folk culture tell bodhran, and banjo jokes. Oh! and the jews tell the best Jewish jokes. I think they are the only ones with the smarts to pre-empt others making them the butt of humour. Hope that clarifies the above. Don T. |
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12 Mar 05 - 08:43 PM (#1433396) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Don, Thanks for that info.. I've also noticed some accordian jokes here at Mudcat. I gather that the people who play those instruments recognize that it's just friends lightly teasing friends. So no one's feelings get hurt. With regard to the accordian, I like the sound of the accordian in Zydeco music. However, I can't say that I've heard that instrument anywhere else. No wait. Wasn't there someone who played the accordian many years ago on the Lawrence Welk television show ? |
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12 Mar 05 - 08:47 PM (#1433399) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Col K Possibly you should have thrown the wife overboard for being so insensitive as to give a musician of you calibre one in the first place. Just a thought. Col |
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12 Mar 05 - 08:59 PM (#1433401) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Shanghaiceltic Treat the skin with a good oil, fill it with cat litter and the cats will love you. They can also use the wood rim to sharpen their claws as they answer the call of nature ;-) |
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13 Mar 05 - 07:20 AM (#1433559) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: gnu I am surprised no one has picked up on : "The Irish word 'Bodhar' means deaf or haunting." Of course, in this sense, "haunting" is the apt variation. Although, I wonder if the other variation may have some merit? Could the "deaf" allude to a deaf person being able to feel the beat? I have two Kearns Hrans and highly recommend them. I also have a small synthetic and prefer it in pubs and the like. When people throw beer at you, the tone remains unchanged. |
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13 Mar 05 - 08:27 AM (#1433581) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Alba LOL Gnu....synthetic... Tone remains unchanged after Berr drenching lol. Well I was thinking if you had a dog...if not get a Dog then used said ornament as fribee.(expanding Rapaire's suggestion) A unique fruit Bowl perhaps Strategic placing below right or left foot in front of Armchair... then stand up...result...smashed..oh dear, how sad, never mind. Leave House to go to Session, taking said ornament. Disgard before arriving at session most definetly, Find dumpster, Trashcan, garden..far from Home...dispose. Arrive Back Home loudly complaining that some B****** stole your " Mini Bodhran":>)and no you do not want a replacement, it just wouldn't be the same.... Blessings Jude |
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13 Mar 05 - 10:47 AM (#1433638) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Bunnahabhain Did ytou know the Bodhran is one of the worlds very few folding musical instruments? With care, it can compacted into 3% of its original volume (1), and when opened out again, it's musical qualities will not have suffered at all. There is a subtle change of tone, which is much prefered by many, who are so keen on this(2) tuning method, they will tune the instruments of any Bodhran players nearby in this fashion without hesitaition. (1) Heavy work boots are traditional for this purpose, but walking boots with crampons are quite acceptable. (2) Also see entry for Banjos. |
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13 Mar 05 - 02:13 PM (#1433747) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC Every culture has a group, chosen to be the butt of inane humour. The English tell Irish jokes; The Irish tell Kerryman jokes; The Americans tell Polack jokes; We members of the folk culture tell bodhran, and banjo jokes. ...and everyone tells Morris Dance jokes ;-) Oh! and the jews tell the best Jewish jokes. I think they are the only ones with the smarts to pre-empt others making them the butt of humour. Newfoundlanders tell the best Newfie jokes for exactly the same reason. Thank goodness nobody ever tells any accordion jokes. |
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13 Mar 05 - 03:54 PM (#1433798) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Raedwulf Azizi - I may one day be able to forgive you for imagining that a bodhran & a lute might be vaguely related! ;-) |
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13 Mar 05 - 04:03 PM (#1433805) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: frogprince As someone who grew up in Minnesota, with polka bands from New Ulm on the radio and performing locally all the time, I can barely grasp the thought that anyone has "never" heard accordian apart from zydeco. Y' know though, what those polka bands all lacked was a good bodhran player... |
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13 Mar 05 - 04:06 PM (#1433807) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Layah Did they lack a bodhran player, or just a good one? |
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13 Mar 05 - 05:22 PM (#1433841) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Please forgive me, Raedwulf. I gather that you are a lute player? Well I figure if Imma gonna hang around this here Mudcat, I betta learn more about all these folkie type instruments that I never heard of or I only heard about a long time ago when I was in school or maybe heard some mention of when I was skimming one of them educationalble channels on my teevee.. So I said "Google, don't fail me now!" and I wrote in the word "lute" and "Lordy be!", "God Bless America", what did I see?!" There were lots of places I could go to learn about that there old lute instrument. So I picked one, and went a-lookin to see what I could see. And I'm glad I picked that page cause they even have some pretty pictures. Here's some of what was written there: "The Roman lute predates the Medieval lute, the true forerunner of the guitar, but was itself preceded by the Greek and the Egyptian lute.The lute, the true forerunner of the guitar (kithara), is considered a medieval instrument but was played by the ancient Romans. The Roman lute had three strings and was not as popular as the lyre or the kithara, but was easier to play".. end of quote. And they go on to talk about some other types of lutes [but why they don't just call them a guitar I don't know] Oh well, maybe I gotta go back here and read more..Then I guess I'll understand it better by and by. ;O) |
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13 Mar 05 - 05:25 PM (#1433844) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Peace A bodhran is just a banjo without the good parts. |
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13 Mar 05 - 05:28 PM (#1433847) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi And frogprince, On another thread I said I was culturally deprived. But do I have to listen to polka to be a real folkie? [Please say no.] Oh, okay..If I must. ;O} Who knows? Maybe I'll like polka music if I get rid of my pre-conceived notions about it. |
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13 Mar 05 - 05:35 PM (#1433852) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC You never have to listen to polka to be a real folkie, Azizi, unless you live in the upper Midwest, or parts of Pennsylvania west of Philidelphia. Fortunately for the both of us, there are so many other and better folk-type uses for an accordion. |
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13 Mar 05 - 05:50 PM (#1433858) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Big Al Whittle I've alwways fancied owning a bodhran since seeing Christy Moore play one. I bought a tuition video, for a friend and it looked so hard - he gave up without trying. I've always fancied one of those with bits of goat hair still stuck to it =- however I notice that that guy who charges a fair bit and advertises on mudcat - he hasn't got bits of goathair hanging off. I notice he wants a hundred and eighty quid, which is quite a lot in my circle - plus p&p and a bit more for the case. Still it looks a very good one. Its actually cheaper to buy one of his from an American website than it is from him directly - but I guess you would miss out on his expertise and personal contact. Anybody got any tales, theories about the ones with bits of goathair, and other things... big al |
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13 Mar 05 - 05:54 PM (#1433861) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Raedwulf Oooof! That site knows rather less than it thinks it does, Azizi (of course you're forgiven, how could I not?! :) ). The lute is not the forerunner (true or otherwise) of the guitar, any more than the rebec is the forerunner of the violin (so there's another one for you to go & look up ;-) ). And the Roman instruments are not directly related to the medieval ones. And yes, I do play the lute, also the guitar. Both fairly badly, these days! |
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13 Mar 05 - 06:31 PM (#1433894) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi CarolC, you said "You never have to listen to polka to be a real folkie, Azizi, unless you live in the upper Midwest, or parts of Pennsylvania west of Philadelphia" Well I DO live in Pittsburgh, PA which is definitely "parts of Pennsylvania west of Philidelphia". But there's not a lot of cultural sharing in Pittsburgh..and so-if you want to experience other folk's culture you really have to work at it... **** Raedwulf-glad that I'm forgiven. But are you telling me that I can't trust GOOGLE to give me accurate information? Oh woe is me, woe is me!! Then do you or anyone else have any websites that really and truly would give information about what a lute [one site said it was like a harpsichord?? is that better??} and the next question is "What is a harpsichord"?? not to mention what is does a 'rebec' look like.. I'm shattered that Google failed me..those pictures were so pretty and they SAID they were lutes.. I'm so discombobulated, I'm not even going to look up 'rebec'... But I'll read what you and others say.. You guys [and gals] are the experts.. I don't play a darned thing. |
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13 Mar 05 - 07:07 PM (#1433917) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC Have you been to the Pittsburgh Folk Festival, Azizi? It doesn't look like the folk music and folkways of African Americans, the African continent, or other groups from the African diaspora were represented to any extent last year except for The Flow Band ("reggae and island sounds"), and African tile motif craft demonstrations. Maybe they need some help in getting some more representation for African / African American / African diaspora folk culture at that festival. Festival website P.S. Sorry for the thread drift, fat B****rd. |
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13 Mar 05 - 08:27 PM (#1433985) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi THREAD DRIFT.. Carol, Re the folk festival..I haven't been in a while. When I used to put on my West African clothing and go to the annual folk festival, I usually didn't see many African American, African, Caribbean etc performers..Of course, I did find the other performers interesting, but still.... Though I'm not sure, I think the problem is 'moola'{money to pay the performers who may not be into volunteering year after year..} And then there's the unfortunate fact that we {African Americans} need to be get more comfortable about going places on our 'off' time where we'll be a minority. I didn't mean to make a pun..but maybe both common uses of that word ""minority" are applicable here. When African Americans in Pittsburgh area leave our neighborhoods we are ALWAYS seen as a minority racial group. Since only 10% of this county's residents are Black {and 20% of Pittsburgh's population are Black} when we leave our [usually segregated communities-some very nice, some nice, some not nice at all, some very much not nice at all]there are always going to be far fewer of us than there are of White people {there are few if any Latinos, and also few Asians, Middle Easterners etc in this county}. Does this matter?? Apparently for alot of Black people- YES. I've gone to cultural programs at institutions like the Carnegie Museum, the Science Center, and the Children's Museum and seen few if any other Black people...Some of this is because of the entrance fee and lack of private transportation to get to these places. But that's only a small part of it.. Besides a good number of African Americans here have money, so it's not just the money-I contend that much of it is pyschological.. It's a challenge, that's for sure... Anyway, thanks, Carol for the links. I'll check them out. Azizi |
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13 Mar 05 - 09:12 PM (#1434012) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC You're welcome, Azizi. I understand what you're saying. Anyway, good luck in your endeavors, whatever they may be. BTW, lutes and harpsichords (and rebecs too, if I remember correctly) are generally grouped into the "classical" music category, "early music" subgroup - medieval, renaissance, and early baroque, although it does appear that some "folk" type musicians are using some of these kinds of instruments as well. A Google search using "early music" (in quotes) and "instruments" is a good place to start looking for information on those instruments. "early music" instuments |
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14 Mar 05 - 12:12 AM (#1434109) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: GUEST,leeneia To get back to the original question - yes, Fat Bustard, you should try playing your new bodhran. You might be like my dear husband, an absolute natural. There is nothing quite so fascinating as a really good bodhran solo. Go to a concert by a really good band and hear how much can be done on a bodhran, and see how everyone listens silently and intently. (Ignore all those jealous fiddlers.) |
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14 Mar 05 - 12:31 AM (#1434118) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: frogprince Actually, Azizi, even then back in Minnesota I couldn't take anything like a steady diet of polka myself. I never thought of polka as folk then; it was never promoted under that name; but in retrospect I guess it is "folk" to "folks" from a number of countries. Hope you know I wasn't meanin' at all to put you down; I was just stuck once again by what should be obvious; people in one country can "come from" very different "places" I'm not sure how old I was when I first heard a bodhran, but I'll bet I was far older than you before I knew the name for it. I was pushing 20 the first time I learned to recognize a classical composition by name (Well, I did know the real name for the Lone Ranger theme); Forty-some years later I sometimes think I'm not so naive anymore, but other times I'm not sure. |
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14 Mar 05 - 01:08 AM (#1434130) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Shanghaiceltic I have four lovely bodhrans, three tuneable and one big 22" beasty which is not. I must admit I would never turn them into litter trays for our three cats as they are plain scared of the site and sound of them. As soon as I get them out to practice the cats are bouncing off the windows and doors. Do they not appreciate what a fine set of instruments I have?? |
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14 Mar 05 - 01:10 AM (#1434131) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Peace Much can be made of a cat if caught while young. |
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14 Mar 05 - 09:33 AM (#1434364) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Bunnahabhain Mittens or kittens..... |
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14 Mar 05 - 12:46 PM (#1434467) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: GUEST,leeneia Good for you, shanghai. (May I call you shanghai?) The cats are probably objecting because the bodhrans are too loud. For some reason, a cat which is bothered by music doesn't just leave the room. Oh no! The cat must stick around, registering its disapproval. It's something to do with the fact that they are actually the bosses of the house. If I were you, I would just put the cats in another room and close the door. That way you can practice without worrying that you are hurting them. I shared a room recently with a cat who objected to my flute playing. Philistine! |
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14 Mar 05 - 01:23 PM (#1434487) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC Shanghaiceltic, the fact that they are "bouncing off the windows and doors" suggests to me that maybe they would like some bodhrans of their own to play. Is there any kind of rythm to their bouncing? That will tell you whether or not they have any ability, and hence, whether or not you would want to invest in getting them their own instruments. |
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14 Mar 05 - 03:17 PM (#1434611) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: fat B****rd Actually I used to play the drums in a "Beat Group" but I had to give up due to........ skin trouble......sorry |
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14 Mar 05 - 03:37 PM (#1434637) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: artbrooks Azizi, while I own, and like, my Malachy Kearns' bodhran, his site is just a bit off. First, there is no reliable record of the bodhran in Irish (or any other kind) of music much before the 1930s, if that early. Second, his drums are at best B or B+ in quality...there are much better, and less expensive, ones out there. Keep trying to find International and other kinds of folk stuff in Pgh. Its out there, but that city, like many others in the Rust Belt, is more noted for its individual (and inbred) ethnic communities than for any kind of transfusion between them. My wife is from Pgh. and we've lived in both Erie and Cleveland, so we've had that experience. |
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14 Mar 05 - 03:44 PM (#1434641) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: gnu Art... please share your knowledge of these bargains. I'm always looking for a bargain. |
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14 Mar 05 - 04:29 PM (#1434687) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: GUEST,Skipy Azizi, is that welk or whelk? Skipy |
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14 Mar 05 - 05:03 PM (#1434696) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Frogprince: no the thought that you were trying to put me down never came into my mind. Artbrooks: Since your wife is from Pittsburgh you can identify with what I'm sayin. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm tryin to expand my cultural horizons by joining this community [but I still can't quite call myself a folkie??!!]. And I promise I'll try to do better in the real[?] world about leaving the comfort of my cultural community to seek out cultural offerings that are unfamiliar to me. Skipy: Naughty! Naughty! Poor Lawrence Welk-He still gets picked on..His music show is still considered to be a joke, but I'm sure it had some redeeming qualities [well maybe I should say I GUESS it did..since I can't remember back that far!!] ;O)) |
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14 Mar 05 - 05:58 PM (#1434744) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Shanghaiceltic Their motion when I play is totally random, no rythm to it, just sort of stood up hair, extended claws, and whipping round the room like little whirlwinds, bit like watching a pinball machine. Had thought of getting ear muffs for them, but have you ever tried to put muffs on a cat! When the bodhrans are bagged and in their opinion safe they like to tip them flat on the floor and sleep on them. They is philistines! |
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14 Mar 05 - 06:09 PM (#1434756) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC *g* Sounds like they're getting off on it, Shanghaiceltic. Might be interesting to see what they'd do if you gave them some catnip before you start playing your bodhran. If it's good, take a video of it and post it somewhere where we can see it. |
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14 Mar 05 - 11:25 PM (#1434986) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Seamus Kennedy Azizi, I think the accordian player on th old Lawrence Welk show was in fact old lawrence Welk. Until he turned the spot over to old Myron Floren - an accordian genius (now there's 2 words you don't often see together) if ever there was one. Seamus who plays a 16" fiberglass, and a really expensive Albert Alfonso tuneable real goatskin model. |
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14 Mar 05 - 11:57 PM (#1435009) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Thanks for that information Seamus. Since I remember the Lawrence Welk show, I guess I should retract my previous comment that I have never heard accordian [accordion??] music except for Louisiana Zydeco CDs. But I KNOW that I've never heard a bodhran played. From these posts, it seems as if most people don't like the sound. Why?? Would anyone care to describe what a bodhran sounds like? |
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15 Mar 05 - 12:16 AM (#1435018) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC In one word, thunder. But I like the sound of a bodhran if it's played well and in the proper contexts. |
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15 Mar 05 - 12:57 AM (#1435031) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Troll CarolC, there are no accordian jokes. It's all true. troll |
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15 Mar 05 - 09:06 AM (#1435222) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: artbrooks Azizi, Seamus (who we all know to be an exceptionally modest and self-effacing person, and so would never mention this himself) will be at Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle 3/31-4/2. If you go, you will hear some good songs, some exceptionally bad jokes and, probably, some bodhran playing. Just pray he decides to wear trou instead of his d**n kilt! My daughter, who lives in Bloomfield, may well be in the audience. Art |
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15 Mar 05 - 09:42 AM (#1435243) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Artbrooks, That's great news!! I'm gonna get a couple of 'folks' together to go to this event. Seamus, I look forward to the pleasure of meeting you and hearing you play! You'll be the first 'Catter who I would have met "in real life" !! And Artbrooks, if your daughter's in the audience, how will I know her and she know me? Well, I could wear a name tag..but that would be kinda tacky..Who knows, there could be other Black women in the room.. I guess if she knows Seamus and I get a chance to introduce myself to him, then he can introduce me to her. That'll work.. Now to figure out where the heck Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle is and who I can convince that they REALLY wanna hear some bodhran and other Irish music.. Thanks for the info!! |
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30 Mar 05 - 08:15 PM (#1447402) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Tomorrow my daughter, another good girl friend, and I are going to Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle to hear Seamus. I look forward to it. Besides broadening my musical horizons, I will meet my first Mudcatter!! For a time there I thought that you guys {and gals} were a figment of my over active imagination..a real Mudcatter [besides myself??} WOW!!! :O) Azizi |
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30 Mar 05 - 08:32 PM (#1447412) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Alba Brilliant Azizi. Hope you all have a great time. Full report on what you think of Bodhran playing and how Seamus looks in his Kilt...:>) I hope you meet up with Art's Daughter too. Best of Wishes Jude |
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30 Mar 05 - 09:10 PM (#1447436) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Ebbie So far I haven't been in attendance upon Seamus Kennedy but I have it on good authority that not only is he a good musician but the man's a hoot. Gives an excellent show. (No, I am NOT referring to the kilt.) I have friends who still break into some song of his when his name is mentioned. And he has great CDs. Have fun, Azizi. |
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30 Mar 05 - 09:11 PM (#1447438) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi I'll be back at ya with a full report tomorrow night! |
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30 Mar 05 - 09:46 PM (#1447462) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC Have fun Azizi. Take pictures! (And then post them here...) |
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30 Mar 05 - 11:01 PM (#1447509) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Thanks! And as to the pictures..we'll see... If I can get a digital camera, I'll take some photos..but then I'm not sure how to post them in the photograph section.. Hey, I'm just learnin this new fangled stuff like posting comments and tryin to make blue clickies -my hyperlinks always turn out red for some reason even if I don't try them first to see if they work... PS: I take it you're most interested in seeing if Seamus wore a kilt? ;O) |
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30 Mar 05 - 11:05 PM (#1447512) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: wysiwyg Oh Lord, you are going to have a good time. Please be sure to say hi to Seamus for me and Hardiman! ~Susan |
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30 Mar 05 - 11:30 PM (#1447522) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Amos Upload the pictures to a computer and then e-mail them to Pene Azul (jeff@mudcat.org) for inclusion in the Events section. A |
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31 Mar 05 - 01:11 AM (#1447556) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: LadyJean Azizzi is African American. That explains Azzizi's absence from the Polish festival, which I used to attend, because a friend danced there. Accordion music is plentiful there. We have a large Eastern European population in Pittsburgh, and they're accordion enthusiasts. Pittsburgh is an interesting place. People talk a lot about the racial polarization here. There is a good deal of racial stupidity in the city. The lead candidate for mayor made some dumb remarks about the school board and African Americans. There have been some nasty incidents with cops. But my street is mixed, and, so far, the only neighbor anyone is complaining about is the woman next door to me, who is growing every weed known to man. She's white. That's not the problem. The weeds are the problem, and her dog, who is using my back yard for a rest room. The Pittsburgh Folk Festival happens over Memorial Day weekend. All the ethnic groups put together performances. A quarter of a century ago, I danced Gathering Pease and Old Mole with the English Country Dance Society. |
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31 Mar 05 - 01:56 AM (#1447570) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Greetings Lady Jean, The fact that I "happen" to be an African American shouldn't keep me from broadening my horizons. That's why I'm going to see Seamus play {sing?} tomorrow..My school teacher daughter is going with me- she also 'happens' to be African American. A girlfriend is also going with us who happends to be White-but what "kind of White" I don't know..She has heard Irish music before and she said I am in for a treat. I have attended various international festivals in Pittsburgh, though not lately. I agree with you that much of this county [with a population of something like 12% African American] is polarized or at least racially distant..Like alot of the USA, I'm sad to say. Now if we could only get more people of color to actively post on Mudcat... Azizi |
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31 Mar 05 - 01:59 AM (#1447573) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: GUEST Go for a swmin, Mr. Fat Bastard, but include a decriminating crew that can recognize a miny bederhan from a floating kelly fish.
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31 Mar 05 - 06:59 PM (#1448406) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: frogprince Well, that was sure...colorful...?...:-) Got kind of a kick out of it, but wish I knew what half of it meant so as to know how to respond... I don't think Azzizi implied she feels inferior to me. Bloomfield isn't too far from us, and I thought for a moment maybe we could meet Shamus and Azzizi, but I'm afraid it's the wrong Bloomfield; ours is in Michigan. Well, maybe some sweet day.... |
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01 Apr 05 - 02:13 AM (#1448643) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: LadyJean I was trying to be funny about Azizi at the Polish Festival. Most of those who attend are Polish Americans. My mother was horrified that I would attend something so Slavic. Like most old Pittsburghers she looked down on Slavs. We had a great time at Mullaney's tonight. Azzizi has now played a bodhran. She bought two of Seumas's cds. He gave her a third. Seumas tells the most wonderfully sick jokes, and he sang my favorite Stephen Fostter song. |
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01 Apr 05 - 04:26 AM (#1448701) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Amos FP: It's just the meds, man. A |
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01 Apr 05 - 02:03 PM (#1449279) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi I was delighted to me TWO 'Catters last night. As soon as my daughter Tazi, my friend Carol, and I entered the Harp & Fiddle, Lady Jean introduced herself to me -I wonder how she knew who I was ;O) LadyJean joined our crew as we found a table in the crowded bar & restaurant. There were singles, and couples, and groups of folks from age 30 to 81 years. [The 81 year old woman was celebrating a birthday and at Seamus' prompting we all sang Happy Birthday to her]. Seamus was GREAT! He started his first set off with 'Whiskey In The Jar' and went on from there singing and cracking jokes and getting the audience involved. There was no way anyone would want to remain just an interested observer-Seamus' songs and comments made you want to join in and sing along, clap along, hit the table in time with the music, and/or do the required hand motions...It was fun!! During Seamus' first set, I got to see and hear the brodhran that was lightly mocked in a recent Mudcat thread. Probably this is a testimony to Seamus' skill with that instrument, but I thought that drum sounded just fine so I still don't get the joke...[??] At the end of the first set, LadyJean and I introduced ourself to Seamus. What a nice man he is! He was so gracious and interesting- plus he has a great voice, and a personality that draws people to him. After talking to others during his intermission, Seamus came to our table, met my friend Carol & my daughter Tazi. We all spent some time talking about Mudcat. Seamus' next set was full of memorable moments-not the least of which was his yodelling {WONDERFUL!} and his impersonations of vocalists singing "Oh Danny Boy" [including Elvis, Harry Belafonte, and a rap artist!} Of course, Seamus sang "Oh Dany Boy" the 'regular way'. The song that I liked the best that evening was "Mary Mack [Gonna Marry Me]", my daughter liked "I'm A Music Man", and my friend Carol liked "Old McDonald Had A Deformed Farm" {which included an animal with Turette's Syndrome}. Seamus sang a Stephan Foster song for LadyJean and that might have been the only song that she didn't know. I was most impressed with the high level of group participation that Seamus as performer expected and that the audience seemed to expect that Seamus would ask of them. The only adult African American musical experiences that I belive is similar to this are some gospel shows or church services. I wish that we {African Americans had a comparable participatory adult music tradition for non-religious songs...Oh well, if wishes were something [however that saying goes].. After the second set, Seamus joined our table again and we briefly talked some more before we had to call it quits for that night {Seamus though had at least one other set to perform]. Seamus is truly a talented performer. I appreciate having had this experience. And though I won't be able to return to hear him tonight or tomorrow night, I plan to attend his 'show' again when he returns to Pittsburgh in May. Don't miss him if he ever comes to your town! PS. Sorry, I couldn't get a hold of a digital camera, so there are no photographs to share. And, for those who might wonder, Seamus didn't wear a kilt! Azizi |
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01 Apr 05 - 02:10 PM (#1449290) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Sorry, my first sentence was supposed to be that I was delighted to meet two 'Catters last night. And BTW, Frogprince, I'm with you in that I have NO idea what Gargoyle was talking about in his post. Amos might be right in his assessment. If so, I hope he gets his medications adjusted [meant seriously and not facetiously}. And Frogprince, LOL! about the concert being in Bloomfield, Michigan and not in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylavania! My suggestion is to see if you can book Seamus in your area and then get some grants to fly LadyJean, Amos, me and other Mudcatters in for some highbrow music/folklore conference or something. I'm game!! ;o) |
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01 Apr 05 - 02:12 PM (#1449294) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Amos Great review, Azizi!! Welcome to the wonderful world of Meeting Mudcatters!! A |
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01 Apr 05 - 02:21 PM (#1449302) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC Sounds like a wonderful evening, Azizi. The good news is that there are many other kinds of opportunities to get together with talented and fun Mudcatters. The bad news is that it sometimes requires a bit of traveling to get to them. But the good news is that if you find yourself able to go, it's always worth it. |
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01 Apr 05 - 04:04 PM (#1449410) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Thanks, Amos and Carol C. I look forward to more opportunities to meet 'Catters. And as to my needing to travel to do so, at this time the spirit is willing but the wallet is weak. But where there is life there is hope.. Um, sorry, should I be posting these sayings in another current thread? **bg** Azizi |
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02 Apr 05 - 07:40 AM (#1449910) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi I have another question or two that might be considered ignorant. Why did some posters ask if Seamus was going to wear a kilt? I thought that kilts were only worn by Scottish males. Or was that an inside joke having to do with a [mild or not so mild?]rivalry between Irish and Scots [that I also didn't know about until I came to Mudcat] Also during his Pittsburgh sets Seamus mad several joking references to Scots concern for spending money. And he also called attention to some Scottish guys sitting in the front and asked if their were any others in the bar/restaurant. The guys in the front raised their beers in salute and the audience applauded them. So this doesn't appear to be a heavy duty rivalry. I would appreciate it if someone would share information about these tangential questions. Thanks. Azizi |
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02 Apr 05 - 08:29 AM (#1449934) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Azizi Correction, 'mad" in the post above is supposed to be "made". |
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02 Apr 05 - 03:57 PM (#1450289) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: artbrooks Azizi, the kilt is worn by both the Scots and the Irish (not to mention the Greeks and maybe the Samoans). The last time I say Seamus, last summer here in Albuquerque, he was wearing one in the, I assume, Kennedy plaid. He's also wearing it on at least one of his albums. |
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02 Apr 05 - 05:20 PM (#1450340) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: gnu Irish do not wear "kilts", as are commonly known as the wear of a pleated, knee length skirt. |
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02 Apr 05 - 06:28 PM (#1450390) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: artbrooks Gnu, the kilt, as in the belted plaid, may not be "trad" wear in Ireland, but the Irish certainly do wear kilts, and there are a munber of places that would be glad to sell you one in the pattern of your choice. For example |
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03 Apr 05 - 04:07 PM (#1451059) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: gnu Agreed. May I also say about the prices, although they are a "sharp" looking outfit, SHITE!! I think I'll stick to my workpants and t-shirts. One of them there outfits is more than my whole year's budget for clothes! Some of us look good in a smock. Luck of the Irish, I guess. |
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03 Apr 05 - 05:09 PM (#1451123) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: CarolC Seamus Kennedy wearing a kilt. Seamus does like to have a bit O' fun with the Scots. But of all of the kinds of songs he sings, he sings the Scottish ones the best... ;-) |
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03 Apr 05 - 07:32 PM (#1451205) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: Ebbie LOL Thanks, CarolC. |
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04 Apr 05 - 08:06 PM (#1452167) Subject: RE: BS: Dilemma From: The Fooles Troupe Piano Accordions are making a quiet comeback. They are more controllable than any other keyboard, due to the bellows! You get volume & rhythm control from the left shoulder. Even a small one produces a good sound (if in tune) - bigger ones allow a larger range of sounds due to the extra switchable banks of reeds. Many 'commercial' - i.e. professional, groups in Country, and even 'Pop' music have one - often tucked away in a dark corner, but they are increasingly being put on the front of the stage in the lights. I do notice however, that many groups only want them for the keyboard, as it is obvious that the Stradella bass is not being played. They also appear often in TV ads soundtracks. |